YHA Boggle Hole is a truly fantastic place to visit in 2025, tucked away in an old smuggler’s cove just half a mile from Robin Hood’s Bay and close to the peaceful village of Fylingthorpe in North Yorkshire. This unique youth hostel sits right on the beach, offering stunning sea views, access to treasure trails, fossil hunting, and pirate-themed decor throughout the lovely old mill that forms the main hostel building.
Whether you’re walking the Cleveland Way, exploring the North York Moors, or simply enjoying a family coastal holiday, YHA Boggle Hole is an ideal place to stay.
Why Choose YHA Boggle Hole?
We chose YHA Boggle Hole because it promised fun, adventure, and something totally different from the usual family accommodation. Despite travelling all over the UK, North Yorkshire had been one of the areas we hadn’t yet fully explored. When we saw this quirky youth hostel nestled in the cliffside cove, the name alone sparked curiosity. Our children were especially drawn to it—who wouldn’t want to stay somewhere called Boggle Hole?
What is Boggle Hole?
The name “Boggle Hole” refers to a cave (or hole) in the cliff at the edge of the cove, believed in local folklore to be inhabited by boggles or mischievous goblins. This myth adds a magical charm to the area and made for a highlight of our stay—especially for Albie, who loved checking out the Boggle Hole when the tide was low.
Checking In at YHA Boggle Hole Hostel
After parking at the top of the steep hill, it’s about a 500m walk down to the sea and the hostel. As the sun set and painted the sky pink, we walked down to YHA Boggle Hole filled with excitement. The friendly staff at reception checked us in quickly and directed us to our family accommodation in the Crow’s Nest—just up the concrete steps or, alternatively, via a ramp suitable for pushchairs.
Family Rooms at the Boggle Hole Youth Hostel
Our room in the Crow’s Nest was ideal for our family of five, with a double bed and three bunks. The room was simple and practical—two lockable cupboards (bring your own padlocks), coat hooks, mirrors, and enough space under the beds for storing suitcases.
Though the mattresses were a bit firm, we all slept soundly thanks to our full-on days of adventure along the beach and cove.
Facilities at the Crow’s Nest
The Crow’s Nest includes a shared self-catering kitchen, a drying room, and two showers/toilets for four bedrooms. We never had to queue, and everything was impressively clean. Digital keycards make it safe and secure.
The Main Hostel and Nautical Decor
The main hostel with pirate-themed decor kept the children engaged from the moment we arrived. Spaces like The Brig (breakfast room) and The Quarterdeck Cafe (dining area) continued the nautical fun, adding to the experience for both kids and adults.
Self-Catering Kitchen – Ideal for Budget-Friendly Travel
The main hostel also features a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, making it perfect for families looking to manage costs. With ovens, fridges, microwaves, utensils, and more, everything you need is available. Just remember: clean up after yourself so it’s ready for the next guest.
Dinner at The Quarterdeck Cafe
Too tired to cook after exploring Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, we ate dinner at The Quarterdeck Cafe. Simon and I had delicious homemade lasagne, while the kids enjoyed pizza and sausages with chips. The portions were generous, and with kids under 10 eating free, it was great value. We even took leftover pizza back for Simon’s lunch the next day.
Breakfast in The Brig
Breakfast is £9.95 per adult and must be booked the night before. We had a hearty cooked breakfast, while the children chose cereal, toast, and pastries. The Brig is a cosy room with long benches and self-serve options, great for fuelling up before a big day.
Evenings at YHA Boggle Hole
Evenings were spent playing family board games and making new friends. One of the best parts of staying at a YHA is the social atmosphere—you can enjoy family time or connect with other guests. Our children happily played with new friends, while we relaxed with the other parents over drinks.
Things to See Near YHA Boggle Hole
Walk to Robin Hood’s Bay
One of our favourite activities was walking to Robin Hood’s Bay via the clifftop footpath or along the beach when the tide was out. This half-mile walk offers incredible sea views, but keep an eye on little ones as some sections near the cliff edge are steep. The route back along the beach was filled with sea glass, Whitby Jet, and lots of treasures.
Tip: Check tide times before setting off as Boggle Hole gets cut off before the rest of the beach.
Explore Historic Whitby
A short drive takes you to historic Whitby. We parked at the Abbey car park to walk down the famous 199 Steps. We booked tickets for Whitby Abbey, a must-see attraction for history lovers. Booking online 24 hours in advance saved us money. Learn more about Whitby Abbey from English Heritage.
Free Museums in Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay
- Museum of Whitby Jet: Learn how to identify Whitby Jet and see unique jewellery pieces.
- Yorkshire Coast Dinosaur and Fossil Museum: The children were fascinated by dinosaur fossils and loved choosing new crystals to take home.
Booking YHA Boggle Hole
Book your next break at YHA Boggle Hole here.
Booking your stay at YHA Boggle Hole is simple through the official YHA website. Prices and availability can vary depending on the season, but it remains an affordable option for UK coastal holidays.
Final Thoughts – A Fantastic Place to Stay in 2025
We stayed at the YHA Boggle Hole for two nights, but it felt like a week of full relaxation and fun. The mix of beach walks, pirate adventures, and family bonding time was exactly what we needed. With treasure trails, sea views, and the magic of the old smuggler’s cove, YHA Boggle Hole could easily become one of your family’s favourite places too.
From the friendly staff to the atmospheric decor and the beautiful natural surroundings, everything came together to make this a memorable trip. We can’t wait to return!
Looking for more family adventure? Check out our previous trip to YHA Stratford-upon-Avon too!